Surprise man, 18, accused of assaulting girlfriend, 15

An 18-year-old man was arrested Monday in Surprise on suspicion of assaulting his 15-year-old girlfriend while intoxicated, authorities said.

Police were called to the 17500 block of Mauna Loa Lane for a domestic dispute, Surprise police Sgt. Mark Ortega said.

Witnesses told police that Derek Falsetta showed up at his girlfriend's house drunk and high. She asked him to leave, but he refused, Ortega said. Witnesses told police Falsetta shoved his girlfriend to the ground, grabbed her by the neck, and threatened to kill her.

The 15-year-old had several scrapes but did not need medical attention. She went across the street to a friend's house, and police were called.

Officers found Falsetta lying on the porch of his girlfriend's house. There was a hole in the wall of the house near where Falsetta rested, Ortega said. Falsetta had cuts on his hand to connect him with punching the house, according to authorities.

Falsetta appeared impaired, and when police asked why he was on the ground, he said he was "just resting," according to authorities. Falsetta said his girlfriend was in the house playing video games, even though she was across the street with her friend, Ortega said.

Falsetta said he had not been drinking, but he said he had smoked marijuana, Ortega said. When he stood, he vomited on the porch. He then informed officers that he drank three beers, Ortega said.